Photodynamic therapy of infection in burn patients

Photodynamic therapy for treatment of burns: A system review and meta-analysis of animal study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Burns are common in both everyday life and war. Shock, infection, and organ dysfunction are major complications, among which infection is the most common and has the highest mortality rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy(PDT) on animals suffering from burns.

METHODS

Through searching Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, only controlled trials were collected to study the effects of PDT on animals with burns. The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality by the MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies) assessment tool, and the data analysis software was used to analyze the data accordingly.

RESULTS

16 articles were collected between the earliest available date and August 2022. The results of the meta-analysis showed that PDT effectively reduces TNF-α and IL-6 levels in wounds, and increases bFGF and VEGF levels, PDT can also reduce bacterial colonization at the injury site, accelerate the healing of burn wounds, and improve the survival rate.

CONCLUSION

PDT has been shown to have positive effects as a treatment for animals suffering from burns. It affects the levels of cytokines, reduces bacterial counts in wounds, promotes wound healing, and improves animal survival rates.

Antimicrobial Formulation of a Bacterial Nanocellulose/Propolis-Containing Photosensitizer for Biomedical Applications

With the aim of contributing to the development of more efficient materials for wound care, new topical formulations based on bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) hydrogels containing propolis were produced. Characterizations confirmed the incorporation of propolis into the BNC matrix, maintaining its structure and properties. Rheological analysis confirmed that the hydrogels showed thixotropic behavior appropriate for topical application. Chromatographic profiles showed sustained release of propolis biomarkers for at least 20 h. The formulations did not present mutagenicity. For application in photodynamic inactivation (PDI), BNC/propolis hydrogels were prepared with the photosensitizers methylene blue (MB). Spectroscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed the interaction of MB and propolis in BNC hydrogels, as well as the formation of a new composite material. In the antibacterial assays, formulations containing MB and propolis significantly reduced Staphylococcus aureus growth. In the presence of light, BNC/MB hydrogels completely inhibited the microorganism. Therefore, the results suggest potential materials for the prevention or treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections in wounds.